YOUNG tennis ace Jonathon Gunn is getting a helping hand from his local leisure centre.

At 13, he has such potential that managers at the Stokesley centre are allowing him to train with regular users rather than at youngster-only sessions. He has been playing tennis for the past seven years, reaching the finals in national tournaments and often competing against older players.

In order to improve his game, the Great Broughton youngster has taken professional advice to help build up his strength,

"Because Jonathon is still growing, it is important he builds up his strength using cardio-vascular equipment, not by weight training," said centre assistant manager David Earl.

"We agreed to help him meet his training goals by giving him access to the gym at all times.

"This is a first for Stokesley - we do run special gym sessions for 12 to 15-year-olds once a week, but Jonathon needs more than that and we are delighted to be able to help.

"Perhaps we will be playing a small part in realising Jonathon's dream to become England's number one tennis champion."